FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--JULY 7, 2003

Contacts

Boost-phase missile defense feasibility study to be released Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Washington, D.C. - The feasibility of boost-phase intercept strategies for national missile defense is the subject of an independent study by the American Physical Society to be released July 15, 2003.

"This study was conducted for the American Physical Society by a group that included recognized experts on missile defense. The group assessed the feasibility of boost-phase intercept in terms of fundamental science and engineering requirements," said APS President Myriam Sarachik. "It is crucial that decisions about large-scale investments in weapons systems take into account their technical feasibility. The APS hopes this report will help in evaluating whether to build boost-phase defense systems."

The press conference panel will consist of the Study Group co-chairs, Frederick Lamb and Daniel Kleppner, Study Group member, Harvey Lynch, and APS Past President William Brinkman. Other study group members will be available for interview.

Reporters will have access to embargoed copies of the report from 8am, July 15, in the press conference room prior to a 10am press conference.

Study Group members will be available for individual interviews following the press conference in the American Physical Society offices, also in the National Press Building, 10th Floor, Suite 1050, from 11am. Journalists are encouraged to book interview times in advance.

About APS

The American Physical Society (www.aps.org) is a non-profit membership organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through its outstanding research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy and international activities. APS represents over 51,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories and industry in the United States and throughout the world. Society offices are located in College Park, MD (Headquarters), Ridge, NY, and Washington, DC.